At issue is the fact that Diego, 33, has six months remaining on his contract, and that Flamengo is holding out for a transfer fee. The Brazilian club is also eager to find a replacement for the attacking midfielder prior to letting him move to the Lions.

Diego began his career with Santos and played for Porto, Werder Bremen, Atletico Madrid, Wolfsburg and Fenerbahce before returning to his home country with Flamengo in 2016. He has won a host of trophies at club level, including Brazil's Serie A with Santos in 2002 and 2004, the Portuguese Primera Liga with Porto in 2005-06, and a La Liga title with Atletico Madrid in 2013-14.

Reports out of Brazil say that Flamengo's new manager Abel Braga is not interested in Diego's services and the club had informed him that they would not extend his contract beyond the existing one.

Diego made 34 appearances at international level for Brazil, scoring four goals. He was part of the Brazil sides that won the Copa America in 2004 and 2007.